Jake Smolinski

Jacob Michael Smolinski (born February 9, 1989) is an American professional baseball left fielder for the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB).

Born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, Smolinski attended Boylan Catholic High School where he also starred in football as a quarterback. In baseball, Smolinski was a shortstop and pitcher. As a senior, Smolinski batted .441 with 13 home runs and 49 RBIs.

Smolinski was drafted as a left fielder and third baseman by the Washington Nationals in the second round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft, out of high school. On November 10, 2008, he was traded to the Florida Marlins along with Emilio Bonifacio and P. J. Dean for Josh Willingham and Scott Olsen. He signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers in December 2013.

Smolinski was called up to the majors for the first time on July 7, 2014.

Smolinski was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics on June 21, 2015.